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Why You’ll Be Wearing Pajamas Out on the Town This Spring

I know what you’re thinking—“You want me to go out in my pajamas?”—and you’re right! I do! But hold that thought. This is not about your lace-collared flannel nightie, or your stained college sweats: this is about proper, refined, Art Deco–esque pajamas. Because I’m here to tell you that the easiest, sexiest, slinkiest, and undeniably chic thing you can slip into this spring is not a slip dress (those are good too, but come on, we’ve all seen your slip dress), it’s not the new power suit (save it for the boardroom), it’s not a fringed suede jacket (too daytime) or gingham (picnic perfect, not party) or denim (you have enough denim)—it’s a pajama set. A silky, approximately tailored (or not!) pajama set, with all the accompanying insouciance you can imagine. There’s a reason this has been a trend since the 1920s. Consider this: In no other ensemble save a pajama can you so elegantly summon the likes of Diana Vreeland, Loulou de la Falaise, Jerry Hall, and Marc Jacobs (channeling Diana Vreeland, of course) in one fell swoop. In no other ensemble can you both look so entirely great while telegraphing how entirely comfortable you are—sitting for drinks in some swell apartment, tucking a leg under you to reveal the perfect summer sandal, the flash of ankle, of sternum; your skin your best accessory in the almost-boyish except you’re so alluringly also almost naked (if you think about pajamas as a very fine barrier between yourself and the world) answer to “What the hell am I going to wear tonight?” Anything you want, of course. But do yourself a favor this spring and make it a pajama. Sling something warm and luxurious over one shoulder, add one major jewelry piece, and you’re ready to go. Really, you’ve never looked better. Here, five great ways to wear the look.